Abstract Specific phobias (SPs) in childhood are common, impairing, and treatable, yet access to gold-standard exposure therapy remains limited. Parent-led interventions delivered via telehealth may help overcome these barriers. This pilot study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a co-designed, brief, group-based parent-training program in exposure therapy for SP of dogs, delivered via videoconference. Three families (children: M age = 7.33 years, SD = 0.58) completed three parent group videoconference sessions plus two boosters, and outcomes were assessed at post-treatment and at a 1-month follow up. Feasibility was excellent, with 100% retention; acceptability was supported by high satisfaction ratings and positive qualitative feedback. Clinician severity ratings of SP decreased significantly across time-points, parent-rated target symptoms declined, and all children met reliable change at post-treatment and 1-month follow-up based on their primary SP CSR. In regards to diagnostic remission (CSR < 4), rates were 33% at post-treatment, increasing to 67% at 1-month follow-up. Preliminary outcome analyses using non-parametric tests, suggested large effects for increased global functioning (CGAS), decreased parent-reported anxiety (SCAS-P) and child dysfunctional phobic beliefs, with stable child self-report anxiety (SCAS-C). Parent confidence in managing their child’s SP improved, but not significantly. Findings support further evaluation of this potentially scalable model in larger controlled trials to determine efficacy.
Calteaux et al. (Mon,) studied this question.
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